“What was it?” the Earl asked sharply.
“In my – effort to get nearer – to the wall – I knocked one of the – china ornaments off the shelf.”
The Earl did not speak aa Ivana went on,
“Forgive me – please forgive me for – being so careless – and stupid. I am very sorry – so terribly sorry.”
“What happened after that?” the Earl queried.
“The Marquis asked, ‘what was that?’ and I – realised that he was coming – into the – drawing room.”
“He found you?”
“Oh, no – I was so – afraid he might, but I ran – across the room and then – hid under – the sofa.”
Ivana tried to steady her voice as she carried on with her story,
“I just had time – because he stopped to pick up a candle in the h-hall.”
“Then what happened?” the Earl prompted.
“The Marquis looked at the shelves on – either side of t
